AMC and AMSC codes explained
The Acquisition Method Code (AMC) and Acquisition Method Suffix Code (AMSC) are two short codes the Department of Defense gives each spare part to record how it plans to buy it: competitively, from the actual manufacturer, or from a single source. The suffix letter explains why, and only AMSC G implies full and open competition.
What the codes are for
DFARS 217.75 covers replenishment parts, which are repairable or consumable parts bought after the first round of provisioning. The policy there is to compete these purchases fully and openly when the government has adequate drawings and the right to use them. When it does not, the codes record why.
The details sit in DFARS PGI 217.7506, the spare parts breakout program. Breakout means moving a part from a single source toward competition or direct purchase from the actual manufacturer. A technical review called screening decides the codes. Only DoD activities assign them, and contracting officers use them to choose a buying method and sources.
The two codes are written together. A part coded 2G has AMC 2 and AMSC G.
Acquisition method codes (AMC)
The AMC is a single digit. Digits 1 and 2 point to competition. Digits 3, 4 and 5 point to buying from one source.
| AMC | Meaning in plain English |
|---|---|
| 0 | The part never got an AMC of 1 to 5 and never completed screening. Allowed but discouraged. |
| 1 | Suitable for competitive acquisition, second or later time. |
| 2 | Suitable for competitive acquisition, first time. |
| 3 | Buy directly from the actual manufacturer, second or later time. |
| 4 | Buy directly from the actual manufacturer, first time. |
| 5 | Buy from a sole-source contractor that is not the actual manufacturer. |
Acquisition method suffix codes (AMSC)
The AMSC is one letter. It refines the AMC by recording the reason. The last column shows which AMC digits PGI 217.7506 allows with each letter.
| AMSC | Meaning in plain English | Valid AMC |
|---|---|---|
| A | The government's right to use the technical data it holds is in doubt. Temporary, while rights are reviewed. | 1 to 5 |
| B | Must be bought from the sources named on a source control or selected item drawing. Data or rights for other sources are not available. | 1 to 5 |
| C | Needs engineering source approval to protect quality. Other sources must qualify first. | 1 to 5 |
| D | Data needed to compete the part is unavailable or cannot be obtained economically, and adequate specifications cannot be written. | 3, 4, 5 |
| E | Reserved. | none listed |
| F | Reserved. | none listed |
| G | The government has a complete data package and the rights to use it, with no restrictions. The only suffix that implies full and open competition. | 1, 2 |
| H | The government lacks sufficient, accurate or legible data to buy from other sources. Temporary, while under review. | 1 to 5 |
| I | Not authorized. | none listed |
| J | Reserved. | none listed |
| K | Must be made from class 1 castings and similar forgings controlled under MIL-STD-2175. | 1 to 5 |
| L | Annual buy value is below the screening threshold. The part was checked for other known sources but not screened further. | 1 to 5 |
| M | Making the part needs master or coordinated tooling. Competition depends on whether the tooling can be made available to more than one source. | 1 to 5 |
| N | Making the part needs special test or inspection facilities for ultra-precision quality. Competition depends on whether more than one source can use them. | 1 to 5 |
| O | The part never got a suffix code and never completed screening. Discouraged. | 0 only |
| P | The government does not own the rights to the data needed for more sources and cannot obtain them. Reverse engineering is uneconomical. | 1 to 5 |
| Q | The government lacks adequate data or rights, but breakout to competition is expected from ongoing efforts. | 1 to 5 |
| R | The government owns neither the data nor the rights. Buying them or reverse engineering the part has been judged uneconomical. | 1 to 5 |
| S | Restricted to government-approved sources because the item involves unclassified but militarily sensitive technology. | 1 to 5 |
| T | Handled under qualified products list (QPL) procedures. Competition is limited to listed or qualifiable sources. | 1, 2 |
| U | The cost of breaking out and competing the part is more than the projected savings over its life. | 1 to 5 |
| V | A high-reliability part in a formal reliability program. Reliability limits cannot be defined through data or specifications. | 1 to 5 |
| W | Reserved. | none listed |
| X | Not authorized. | none listed |
| Y | The design is unstable and major changes are expected. Limited buys from the current source are anticipated. | 1 to 5 |
| Z | A commercial, nondevelopmental or off-the-shelf item. | 1 to 5 |
Reading a combination
- The AMC digit is the headline. For most suffix letters, the AMC depends on how many sources exist. With one approved or available source the digit is 3, 4 or 5. With two or more it is 1 or 2.
- 1G and 2G are the clearest signal of competition: the government has the data and rights and the part is suitable for competition.
- 1T and 2T point to competition limited to sources on a qualified products list.
- 3D, 4D and 5D record that the data needed to compete the part is not available, so the part is bought from one source.
- A and H are temporary. They apply while data rights or data quality are under review.
- 1G, 2G, 1K, 2K, 1M, 2M, 1N, 2N, 1T, 2T, 1Z and 2Z are the combinations PGI 217.7506 says generally cannot be improved by further breakout work.
What the code does not tell you
On NSN Explorer
NSN pages show the codes on the item record, with the date they were last observed, where the record has them. Where an item has no codes on record, the site does not show a competition status. Browse items by supply class, check what is open at Open demand, and read the glossary entry for sole source. New to the overall process? Start with the supplier guide.
Common questions
What is an AMSC code?
The Acquisition Method Suffix Code is a one-letter code that explains why a part has its Acquisition Method Code. It records things like whether the government owns the technical data, or whether a source must be approved first.
Which AMSC means full and open competition?
AMSC G. DFARS PGI 217.7506 calls it the only suffix code that implies full and open competition. It means the government has a complete data package and the rights to use it, with no restrictions.
What do AMC 1 and AMC 2 mean?
Both mean the part is suitable for competitive acquisition. AMC 2 is for the first time it is competed, and AMC 1 is for the second or later time.
Does an AMC or AMSC code guarantee a solicitation is open to everyone?
No. The code describes the item's acquisition status on record. Each solicitation sets its own requirements, so read the solicitation itself.
Who assigns these codes?
Only DoD activities assign them, based on a technical review called screening. Contractors can supply technical information, but they do not assign the codes.
Sources
Official pages used for this guide. Rules and web pages change, so check them before you act.
Keep reading
Last reviewed October 2026.